Three U.S. Navy amphibious warships are returning to the eastern Mediterranean to remain on standby in the event they are needed to assist Americans leaving Israel in the coming days, according to two U.S. officials.

The officials stressed an evacuation remains an extremely remote possibility and the Obama administration is not currently planning for one. Americans who wish to leave the region now are able to do so using commercial airlines.

But the decision to send the ships even if the event is such a remote contingency underscores the growing concern about where the Israel-Gaza conflict could be headed.

"This is due diligence. It is better to be prepared should there be a need," one official said Monday. Both officials said the ships would be used only for assisting Americans and not for any combat role.

The most immediate impact will be on the ships' crews and the estimated 2,500 Marines on board. They had been scheduled to return to Norfolk, Virginia, just after Thanksgiving; their homecoming will now be delayed several days depending on events, the officials said.

The ships involved are the USS Iwo Jima, the USS New York and the USS Gunston Hall. At the end of last week the ships were west of Gibraltar, before the decision was made to turn them around and send them back to the eastern Mediterranean, where they will remain for now.

The U.S. military also maintains three to four ships off the coast of Israel that are capable of shooting down ballistic missiles. That deployment has stretch for some months in the face of a potential ballistic threat from Iran.

I am American and I strongly feel that the US needs to mind its own business. Every time there is some sort of conflict our country feels the need to rear its ugly head and it’s annoying. . I don’t want my fellow countrymen and women’s lives put at risk for a country I could care less about. I don’t see Israel ever helping us. Whenever there is a disaster here, where is Israel? Wait for it, wait for it…holding out its hand for us aid! To be honest, I do not care about Israel or what goes on there. I do support Israel’s right to defend itself but that’s where I draw the line. Israel is perfectly capable of taking care of its own battles and I am strongly against my tax dollars funding this useless part of the word. The Middle East is a mess, it always has been and always will be. Personally, I don’t want the people of Israel or Palestine killed, but you all need to put on your big boy pants and solve your problems because frankly people are tired of it. It’s a conflict that has gone on for ever and it will never end.

america , for the love of god, stop supporting this terrorist country israel. american children are starving here and this government is sending billions of our tax dollars to this terrorists country. israel knows america will and is supporting at any and all cost so they will continue doing what is does on a regular bases. i do wish a rocket can land in the prime minister of israel mouth, this man is the world's number one terrorist. i wish someone shoot this man

This conflict, like so many others fought ad nauseum among humans, will never be resolved.
We like to think of ourselves as an evolved species but the sad truth is everyone seems to require someone to hate as viciously as they can. Many of you hate, actually hate, your neighbors because they park their car in front of your house or don't mow their lawn the way you do. Many more of you simply hate another person because of the color on the surface of their skin or their political affiliation. Two days to Thanksgiving, are you going to give thanks for having spent another year being spiteful and judgmental? Good luck kiddies!

There are good people in Gaza. They are not Palestinians – that is a fake, invented word and there are not such a race or religion. Why doesn't Egypt give them a portion of their large land to let the good Gaza people lives and then destroy the terrorists who influence them in the Gaza strip.

I am tired of all Americans on this forum who think they are giving us money and think that now they have the right to tell us how to live. We will do whatever we like and kill or not kill who so ever we like. You keep your nose out of our business and rather sniff......

You are so right “Jewish Mother”. I am American and I strongly feel that the US needs to mind its own business. Every time there is some sort of conflict our country feels the need to rear its ugly head and it’s annoying. . I don’t want my fellow countrymen and women’s lives put at risk for a country I could care less about. I don’t see Israel ever helping us. Whenever there is a disaster here, where is Israel? Wait for it, wait for it…holding out its hand for us aid! To be honest, I do not care about Israel or what goes on there. I do support Israel’s right to defend itself but that’s where I draw the line. Israel is perfectly capable of taking care of its own battles and I am strongly against my tax dollars funding this useless part of the word. The Middle East is a mess, it always has been and always will be. Personally, I don’t want the people of Israel or Palestine killed, but you all need to put on your big boy pants and solve your problems because frankly people are tired of it. It’s a conflict that has gone on for ever and it will never end.

You may be missing the point.Yes you do have the right to defend your country.Can Israel protect itself againist all mooslems that want all jews to die.?I believe the reason there hasn't an all out war is the US.You know the mooslems are waging war on the US is our friendship with the jews.I accept that.They need to give up land and move forward.Wars are always the same Religion and land.Be safe and hopefully one day it all may change.But history has a was to repeat itself.

Then do not take any money in aid from the US and do not ask for protection. Israel is like the little kid that mouths off to all the other kids and when it comes time to put up asks their bigger brother to protect them.

AND, personally I as an American mother am wearied hearing the complaints about Americans and America.
Really, most Americans are in agreement that they are fed up with trying to help and getting barked down by adverse and unfriendly people around the globe. Go feed your children and we will feed ours. Stop the bombastic rhetoric and barking.
Our dogs don't like being barked at; when they've had enough they bite. Americans are fatigued at throwing bones at barking dogs.
I really don't believe you are a Jewish mother; you sound more like a "radical, fundamentalist barking Islamist".

If that's your only critieria for support, then it's time you understood what's really happening over there. Israel has made the West Bank and Gaza into giant prisons for the non-jewish population and discriminate against anyone who isn't a jew. If peace is ever to be realized, then Israel needs to get out of the occupied territories.

here is an idea. why not give kashmir to israel and ask them to vacate that part of the world. then palestine can have its own land, israel can have its own, and india can be free of the terrorist headache and let israel deal with it the iron handed way

Israel is our only ally in the Mideast and to give sanction to the Muslim Brotherhood who surrounds them is outrageous. Our radical left wing President should do something – not just keep saying "Israel has the right to defend itself." – sounds like a broken record.
How about taking away all foreign aid to the surrounding countries. Egypt, with a leader who is part of the Muslim brotherhood and will filter Iranian influence and armaments deserves nothing, and similarly surrounding countries. Without our aid, let them try to develop.
And our new, changed President should get out of the Far East, where nothing is being accomplished and get to the negotiating table in the US with the fiscal Cliff looming or negotiate the MidEast cease fire.

Born or born again – another person who needs to see a psychiatrist. Wait until you see what the Muslim brotherhood, who wants to rule the world, does to your little world.

November 20, 2012 at 12:27 pm |

ssmon22

okay this was a joke right? Israel the butcher?? see all israel is doing when they are at war is they dont pull punches, if a civilian or 2 dies in order to get a few terrorists then that is the horrible cost of war but they are willing to pay that price. They are at least targeting the guilty to begin with. Imagine if they were firing rockets blindly into a country how barbaric would they then be in your eyes? Ohhhh wait!!! someone is doing that but it aint the jews. Get a clue before your post.

November 20, 2012 at 12:43 pm |

tea isstronger

WILL OBAMA ORDER US SHIPS TO PAINT WHITE CROSSES ON THEIR HULLS AND FLY WHITE FLAGS

We would not want any Palistinian rubber boats to speed out to US Navy ships and start sinking them. Let the Muslims know we mean them no harm and that we only want to take away their Jews.

This ally has spied on the U.S. (see Jonathan Pollard), attacked our warship (USS Liberty) and stole our nuclear secrets and material. We need to cut off all foreign aid to every country because we are broke. The Zionist lobby has destroyed our country.

Finally, someone who has cut through all the crap, spin and Zionist BS and stated the only thing that makes any sense. America gets NOTHING out of its relationship from Israel ... only Debt, Dead Americans Diminishing credibility. On the other hand, Israel gets US$20 billion each year, nuclear bombs, the best tactical weapons on the planet and a filthy rich population. I suppose it's good to be the "chosen people" when Uncle Sam the Taxpayer is subsidizing everything.

This will be a new Obama style Jewish EXODUS out of their Homeland. The Jews will sail the oceans of the earth for 40 years looking for a homeland but never find one. This is what the Jews get for voting for Obama as they did for Hitler.

You are and I quote the book by Grisham "Rainmaker" – "Sick,Sick,Sick,"

November 20, 2012 at 12:32 pm |

Center of Thought

That is such an ignorant statement.

November 20, 2012 at 12:33 pm |

bostontola

A lot of people are questioning US support for Israel, especially the money we spend. My guess is the money is a bargain. We have few friends in that part of the world, a region of great importance to the global economy due to the energy resources there. For a few billion dollars, we get eyes and ears in that part of the world that are worth much more than the foreign aid expenditure.

I doubt seriously that you are truly a Jewish Mother living in Israel. I've been there and everyone I ever met were truly appreciative of all the support that America gives and continues to give. You are probably just a poster that is trying to paint Jews in a poor light to attempt to weaken American support.

November 20, 2012 at 12:23 pm |

Concerned

Considering America creating your autonomous state, that is pretty arrogant. If we pull our support from you, your defenses will only protect you so much. American people back Israel for the most part. Whether or not Obama acts on it is another story.

Everyone is sooo tired of these two fighting. Israel and Palestine, Jew and Muslim, we are over you two crazies. None of the rest of the world's citizens care about your hate of each other anymore. No hope for you two getting along. "It's like two kids saying, he/she hit me first, no you hit me first, no you!" And please don't drag others into your conflict. Just kill each other and we can move some Indians or Chinese over to the holyland as your replacement. They need the space.

–Coming to a school near you- this is what you voted for- in the last 4 elections-

November 19, 2012– San Antoinio, Texas

After months of protesting a policy requiring high school students to wear an RFID-enabled ID badge around their necks at all times, Andrea Hernandez is being involuntarily withdrawn(read expelled) from John Jay High School in San Antonio effective November 26th, according to a letter sent by the district that has now been made public.
The letter, sent on November 13, informs her father that the Smart ID program, which was phased in with the new school year, is now in “full implementation” and requires all students to comply by wearing the location-tracking badges.–

The above is in violation of both the 1st and 4th ammendments.. yep- The uSA is a free country.. get on Agenda 21 people- read it- understand it and fight against it...

Hey todd b...it's time to let them fight one another, instead of drawing the USA into it. Let them out their money where their mouths are. That way we'll see who's boss over there. I bet they won't go for that though, because they have ulterior motives, and it includes controlling the USA by means of religios fanaticism.

Indians would be very grateful to you guys for helping us gain some extra territorial lands. But China??? They are pretty big country and don't need extra land. You can be made the ambassador or the foreign secretary of that new Indian nation.

Another fool from Todd's country(probably) concerned about some other country's national pride? It was one of your fellow countrymen's stupid idea to gift the land to Indians and Chinese (or so it seemed). What else can we say, but Thanks. We'll do a better job in bringing peace there...you big ass mouth

November 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm |

EHeye

If I was facing elimination every day that I wake because Muslims hate Jews, I would do the exact same thing that Israel has done. And the US backs Israel because they are a power house in the Mid East and a great ally. The IDF must eliminate threats to its people. If Mexico was shootin rockets at Texas, im sure the US wouldn't appreciate it very much. And if you know much about Israel's military, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Every year just over 30,000 people die in the US from gunshot wounds. Every two years more US citizens are killed by gunshot wounds than were lost in the entire Vietnam war.

How about if the US gov. takes care of its own first and helps the rest of the entire world (that doesn't wnat our "help"- only our money) ? Chicago, Detroit, Tucson, L.A., Aurora. A battle group to evacuate Isreal? LOL. How about a bunch of buses to evacuate Chicago? Lots cheaper and would save more lives.

I'd fly to Tel Aviv just to get to ride out in one of those Chinooks or the HH3E "Jolly Green Giant". I'd pay extra if they sling load me out in a giant net, bellyhooked to the chopper. Then I'd fly back to Tel Aviv wearing a mustache costume, and evacuate again, preferably in an F-4, then again in a hovercraft from the beach, until they catch on and just ask me to enlist if I want to use all their assets. I just checked each of the ships- they have a website! I don't even have a website.

I agree with you Yuliya. People don't understand our right to kill palestinian mothers and children. They don't understand that we as Jews cannot afford to let them be adults and fight us. Better to kill them now.

November 20, 2012 at 12:02 pm |

Debbie

Are you two serious? Do you not realize that this silly "mine, no. mine" fights could escalate into a war that could conceivably destroy the world–including your children?

November 20, 2012 at 12:12 pm |

Proud Jew

All haters of Israel on this forum. You are pathetic, we don't need American money or weapons, or your ships. You can shove it ..u...p....we have the right to kill women and children because we don't want them to fight against us in years to come. BTW we learned this from our colonist in Britian. Long live Jewish State!

That's a good point you don't need our military support, we should just pull all funds from Israel and see how long it takes before the rest of the middle east eats you alive. Unfortunately the answer is not long.

November 20, 2012 at 11:49 am |

tjp44

correct you are Patrick....not too proud to take our money and weapons though

November 20, 2012 at 12:13 pm |

Debbie

You rule us? Why don't we just pull all American support out of your country and see how long it takes for you all to start whining

November 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm |

tjp44

as you are our biatch fool.......

November 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm |

Peace

Israeli's are forgetting who funded most of there waepons. It's from all US tax payer. Israel doesn't have any natural resources to export. How can a small country like Israel have the 10th largest army in the world. Yes, thanks to USA. So all the killing they are doing we are part of the blame.

November 20, 2012 at 12:14 pm |

American

If not for the United States Of America you people would be the slaves of all the arabs that hate you. If not for the US you would not have a military strong enough to kick your own ass's.

November 20, 2012 at 1:02 pm |

Ruler of the world

Hey Proud Israeli, Americans might be slaves to Israel. Hmm, hold on, i remember something like that. That's exactly what happened with Germans, they were slaves to u guys. And what happened? 6 million jews dead. I'm really not happy about that, i don't want to see that ever again. However, if u guys don't change soon, it WILL HAPPEN AGAIN! AND AGAIN! LAST WARNING.

November 20, 2012 at 1:20 pm |

Concerned Israeli

I am seeing the true ugly face of Americans for the first time on this forum

You are seeing the true nature of twisted Liberal mentality in the US, which does not represent the entire population.

November 20, 2012 at 12:00 pm |

Debbie

No, you're seeing a country of people who do not believe the sun rises and sets on your race. we're tired of getting smacked by the Arabs because of a country that exists, apparantly, just to take more and more land. Our face is not ugly–we just don't want to babysit a family feud.

November 20, 2012 at 12:16 pm |

Aariff

US supports Israel becoz most of the administrative task is done by Jews here...no matter who is the President...Always the support goes to Jews...

US wants israel becoz it needs its ally to create some problem in middle east and attack the country in their sake and takeaway the oil from there..Ex: mass destruction is Iraq and now trying Nuke in Iran...

Same kind of Fight happened in Srilanka and Burma...US didn't even condemn their action...Why?

November 20, 2012 at 12:27 pm |

Peace

If Media wasn't brainwashing most of us then you would really feel guilty for innocent civilains dying in both sides. But we all know more Palestinians are dying and especially children.

November 20, 2012 at 12:17 pm |

LTCB

That would be the "ugly" face of the progressive/socialist/leftist/communist/liberals among us. That would be the president's party. The rest of us love you folks.

November 20, 2012 at 12:21 pm |

American

well just listen to yourself with all your hate for the rest of the world, and you say America has the ugly face. I see your face.

November 20, 2012 at 1:07 pm |

Student

LTCB, as a Republican aggie that supports the Right (conservatives, not the far Right extremists like the tea baggers) I could not disagree with you more. And furthermore, respect the President of the United State. He is our country's leader and you would want the same from the left if Romney had won. Comments like yours do nothing to foster unity and are the reason that politics have become so ugly and essentially a name calling battle. Name calling went out in 2nd grade. My grandparents did not die for a country in which the population is fractured and people would ignore the President. Respect him; this is a democracy, so if more people vote for someone then they win. That is a democracy.

You sound like some Chinese immigrant trying to feel that you are American.

November 20, 2012 at 11:57 am |

HiloBob

You are absolutely correct!!

I'm don't hate anyone, and I'm not a Christian, Jew or Muslim with roots out of desert nomads, but if you don't want the help we've been giving you all of these years, our money would be better spent cleaning up after the natural disasters we've suffered at home. In the meantime, good luck to both sides in slaughtering each other towards a solution.

White trash???!! The last time I looked, most of Israel was Caucasian. Proud Jew, you are a hater no better than your enemy.

Mr. Proud Jew:)) Since when was Palestine your country? fifty or 60 years ago ? Israel is not going to long live in Palestine. For decades now after the occupation of Palestine with the support of the US and Europe, Israel has never seen or enjoyed security or peace and it will never do. This is because of a single one reason, you can not establish a country upon the remains of another people. This may have been true of the US establishing a country upon the remains of the native Americans but this is far way different in Palestine. Israel is surrounded and will be always surrounded by the enemies who will someday liberate Jerusalem.... I promise you it will happen; it may not be in your life time but it will happen. This is only the beginning of the end of the State of Israel... We are very patient. You can kill as many as you can but I do not think Israel can kill 1.6 billion Muslims. The more Israel kills, the more will rise up and resume the struggle..... This is how the State of Israel will be defeated.... Patience and continuation of the struggle...A country who is built on fear, will end up in ruins....

Desert Worm.. this land was given to us by God. We will kill your babies and women to clean up this holyland.

November 20, 2012 at 12:13 pm |

tjp44

Jewish Mother stop acting like a pig

November 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm |

Debbie

Jewish mother, how do you know that land, specifically, was given to you by God? Secondly, didn't He also give the land to the Jewish family of Ishmael? Oh, and the United States of America is NOBODY'S beeach!

November 20, 2012 at 12:19 pm |

Carl

Something tells me "Concerned Israeli", "Pround Jew", "Proud Israeli" and "Jewish Mother" are all one and the same...

November 20, 2012 at 1:00 pm |

Mongo_Slapper

As an American who supports Israel you should consider that many Americans feel as I do. We stand with you against this evil. Don't let the foolish words of those who don't support you tarnish our bond. Stay strong my Israelly friend and keep your sights on those who truly wish you harm.

For all of you without enough common sense to figure it out on your own; Proud Jew, Jewish Mother, and Proud Israeli are all the same person with the same IP address. Talk about someone whose life is so lonely, sad and pathetic, and whose views are so idiotic that they decided to create multiple accounts on a news site to spew their silly garbage. It’s kind of funny, but sad that oxygen is being wasted by this person with a meaningless life.

Who pays for this crap . Israel is NOT a state of the US . What is Hamas going to make Israel evacuate ? Time to sell that boat and the planes with it. Lay off all those government employees posing as soldiers.

It'll be nice when people stop killing each other and provoking one another. Send a warship? Not surprising for the U.S. who is pretty well known for puffing out their chests when the spotlight is on someone else.

Our support for Israel is the ONLY reason why we are able to have a country that we do today. The prosperity didn't come out of thin air. Look at how blessed the British Empire was until they turned their back on Israel. Do some research if you have a hard time believing this. America isn't the only country that just "goes out and gets things done". NO it is much more than that. How much longer are these conversations going to last until people realize that the more we continue to take God out of our society, the more trouble we are getting into? Even if we pulled out of every corner of the world and buried our heads in the sand, we would still have a society as a whole that is going straight into the gutter and seemingly nobody cares to realize why that is.

Chris you're absolutely right and history proves this, however we now live in a society that has rejected God and the only thing left is for them to taste of what they have asked for. The moment the U.S. turns it's back on Israel, we are finished.

Chris , Did we have God in our society when we had slaves for three hundred years. When we destroyed the Native Americans and took their land ? I know you want to take us back to some mysterious time when god was in America, but in reality it never existed.

Hey Keb you need to take an educated look at slavery in England and America. They were secularists that promoted slavery for purposes of greed. America has never been a "Chistian" country, however Christian influence has always been positive and not negative as you have stated. There is a good excerpt from Dinesh D'Souza that states, "The anti-slavery movements led by Wilberforce in England and abolitionists in America were dominated by Christians. These believers reasoned that since we are all created equal in the eyes of God, no one has the right to rule another without consent. This is the moral basis not only of anti-slavery but also of democracy." Here is the link – *http://townhall.com/columnists/dineshdsouza/2008/01/14/how_christians_ended_slavery/page/full/

November 20, 2012 at 11:56 am |

abracadabra

Obviously God was ok with slavery, otherwise he wouldn't have let the US prosper. It wasn't til 1865 when he changed his mind, flew to America and wrote the 13th amendment.

Hogwash! We have the country we do because of the people! We are the biggest baddest dog on the block with or without our politicians! Don't believe me? Try to invade and see who fights you–it won't be the politicians, it'll be us the American people!

If you know the ME, you know they don't care about the US and its army anymore. The chapter has folded a few years ago. The American could barely untangle themselves from ME after losing 5000+ soldiers, trillions of dollars, and exhausted army with over 50K soldiers who are PTSD. If Egypt or Turkey want to attack them they will never get permission from US or care if the US is getting involved.

Good one Mark, them self righteous publicans can't be satisfied, if Pres Obama did nothing, they'd say he's soft and lacks leadership. Simple minds just don't know where this could lead in the 10/40 window.

I don't understand why every American President has to show loyalty to the dogs in Israel. If we have elected our President then they should serve Americans not Jews who are killing others in the name of Bibical claims...BTW God gave dinosaurs the Holyland millions of years before Jews and Arabs so we should nuke them both cuz they don't know how to live in peace. European and Russian Jews need to go back and leave the peace loving Arab jews in the holyland or whatever crap it is.

Guess what. American are tired of Israel behaving like a bad boy. I think we made a mistake by helping them steal the lands from those desert worms. But get real, how long can we support this irrational killing by Israel.It needs to stop.

November 20, 2012 at 11:30 am |

Timothy

This is a conflict which has its roots in antiquity. There are so many factors. The biblical animosity between Jew and Arab. The Balfour Declaration of 1919 which guaranteed the Jews a homeland. The Judaeo-Christian philosophy which has deep roots in the U.S. And the perennial human struggle for land. I don't see a solution to this. I think it will get worse until the region erupts in total war.

Let me guess ... you've shaved your head and you've got at least one swastika tat on your sorry bod. If that's not the case, then let me tell you, there's a whole bunch of mixed nuts that you'd fit right in with.

Israell is just a Western front needed in the Middle East. America loves when Israel acts up because WAR MAKES MONEY, Who do you think is supplying arms and weapon systems to Israel? America is one of the largest weapons dealers on the globe, and our interest lay in war

You obvious don't know your history about the middle east. Israel is not the agressors is any fight they have had. The agressors have been the Arab countries and Hamas. Israel is only defending itself and everyone thinks they are the agressor. When Hamas shoots 800 rockets into isreal, no one complains, but let Israel defent it self and it gets the bad rad. I would like to see Israel march Hamas and its followers into the see and let them fend for themselves or move to another Arab country. But what country would take them. None. They don't want them. Suggest you make a trip to the middle east and see for yourself. You will have a totally different view!

More innocent Muslims have been murdered by the Israeli "defensive" in this conflict than, Islamic "terrorists" have killed Israelis. Israel is the aggressor and has the full military support of the United States. If Israel decides that it wants the full destruction of the Palestinian state than the Unites States is going to be more than happy to help.

Julio, you must be a rather young person. You might want to check from 1947 up to now what has been actually going on in Israel and then rethink your words. You obviously have lack of knowledge and therefore no concept of just what is happening now.

The only reason you think Israel is the "aggressor" is because they are militarily stronger than the Palestinians. The Israeli's do not occupy any land, this is their land, they defeated a weaker people and took the land in 1967. This is how boarders have been shaped throughout history. Israel has transformed a block of sand into a modern counrty in less than 100 years...the countries around Israel have existed for 1000's of years and they still live in the stone age because they choose to fight over religion and throw rocks at American embassy's. If American indians fired missiles into Green Bay WI, they would be eliminated. Why don't any Middle Eastern or Arab countrys help the Palestinians??? Why dont they arm them? Why don't they share oil/gas revenues with them? Why don't they assist with taking back the land that was taken from them? That is the question!

Ah yes spending money we do not have, real smart. $16 trillion in debt but we can afford to support a worthless country such as Israel ! Israel should be wiped of the face of the earth, they are not special and should not get any help for if it were not for the U.S. and the money the government steals from WE THE PEOPLE Israel would not be there !! Let the magical man floating in the sky give them money and military aid to the tune of billions!

Stupid comment. We pay for the warships whether they are sitting next to the pier or doing their ACTUAL job.

I personally agree that we should not be sending as much aid overseas but it does not really matter what we spend on the military. 75% of the national debt is caused by support programs and interest. Cutting the military won't even make a dent.

I wonder the US Navy warships with a contigence of US Marines on board are for a mission of evacuation if need be but will that be whether the evacues include the US citizens who live in Israel and/or Gaza. If they are it will be interesting to see how those citizens behave on board. Funny.

Obviously you are not paying attention, Mark. It is Jews and Muslims fighting over land, and nothing to do with Christians.
So take your anti-Christian rhetoric you allowed your state run school to shove in your head, and go home.

If Americans haven't left Israel of their own accord by now, then they should be left there. Stop trying to babysit everyone. It's time we took responsibility for our actions. Quite frankly, I couldn't tell an Israeli from a Palestinan unless one was wearing yamalke and the other had a checkered tablecloth on his head. Stay out of this conflict. I don't care which side wins, they are both the same to me. Trouble makers.

I repeat... We maintain a very large embassy and many American business interests are in Israel. We man a contingency of troops in the Sinai – in both the North near the Rafa Crossing and in the South near Sherm El Sheik. They are a part of the Multinational Force and Observers who have monitored the border between Egypt and Israel since the Camp David Peace Accord. We have lightly-armed Soldiers in outposts all along the Sinai Peninsula – quite vulnerable in the event of a large-scale military attack. Would you leave them unprotected?

Read the "history" of why the Jews are in Israel and only then you understand why America stands with Israel. Those who want to destroy Israel know the history and know the only way to destroy Christianity is to destroy Israel.

Claudia – read the entire history of Israel and you'll see considerable disregard for the Palestinian people. The original agreement established by the British in 1917 created a country where both cultures/religions would peacefully co-exist. It does not appear that either side ever made a serious attempt to co-exist – maybe proving that powerful nations shouldn't artificially create political states where religious and social ideologies are completely incompatible. Your "Revelations" about the mythology associated with Israel and the "Second Coming" are not relevant to the world community. This stuff was ginned-up fairly recently by Evangelicals as a part of their revisions to theology. It would make a good movie but has nothing to do with a conspiracy to attack Christianity. If your God is the all-powerful one he should conquer Satan regardless of the political landscape in the Mid-East.

Thanks Larry. I feel if the Jewish and Palestinian authorities in Israel can't play nice they should have their toys taken away.

November 20, 2012 at 12:02 pm |

B DA TRUTH

Islam is a danger to the entire world not just Israel who are just a nearby stepping stone for Islam's global desires. If no one notced today France has just left us holding the bag in Afghanistan and 4 California Islamists just arrested on Terrorism charges today. The problem has a name. Islam.

Yes Islam is the problem...its all because of Islam. They are evil and should not have a right to live with their bigotry and idealistic ways and the way they protest military families, judge those that are not like them and are given a directive to change everyone into their religion...Oh wait thats Christians! Islam isn't the problem, ignorant people like you is the problem.

Hmmm... a few weeks ago everything was blamed on Obama. Now it is Islam? There are plenty of muslims around the world who do not prescribe to the violence of the extremists. We have similar factions right here in the United States: Neo-Nazis, KKK, etc. Yet, most Americans prefer to quietly live in peace and therefore it would be unfair to claim all Americans are hate-mongers. Your comment just propagates hatred toward others. Like it or not, America is about embracing all people and all religions, including Islam.

I guess "Born Christian" is a liar and is catholic rather than Christian. catholic cult is the greatest source of antisemitism and this guy PROVES it with his post. Also proves how ignorant he is. Hey Born CULTIST.. Hamas has been launching HUNDREDS of rockets into civilian areas in Israel for WEEKS before Israel responded. They have EVERY RIGHT to defend themselves from the hateful murderous satanic cult of islime. Try learning the TRUTH, which you will NEVER find here on CNN

You are pathetic IDF agent. If I put somebody in prison, I don't think I can expect anything nice from them. You should thank that they are just firing screwed up rockets and not using unmanned bulldozers to raze illegal Jewish settlements. Don't get me wrong Jews and muslims are all murderer.

November 20, 2012 at 11:08 am |

Gerald

And I highly doubt BC is Catholic. That is just your bigotry showing through.

Born Christian, if you are a bornagain Christian, you need to read the Bible. If you are not a friend of Israel you are not a friend of Christ.

November 20, 2012 at 10:55 am |

bob

Gaza-level it ,follow that up with putting the muslim brotherhood on notice that egypt is next if they feel its necessary to support the hamas who use civilians as shields and fire rockets at other civilians from their backyards and school playgrounds.

November 20, 2012 at 11:08 am |

Debbie

McQueen, read the New Testament(don't worry, you won't go blind) and you will know you are wrong.

November 20, 2012 at 12:27 pm |

JB

According to the article, the ships were sent to help with the evacuation of US citizens, should the conflict go Rawandan. Did you read the article?

Can you say anything without involving politics, and the current President? Guess not. You partisans are always stupid, have always been, and will always be. You can't get your head out of your rectum. You lost the election, get over it sore losers.

So, do you feel that if we would just drill our own oil and mind our own business that we would some how live in some sort of utopian society? You have a lot to learn about reality.

November 20, 2012 at 11:04 am |

Humored

LOL – from what the article says the ships are being sent to help with any potential evacuation of Americans. So I guess money is being spent *on* Americans. As for the cost – we are paying for those ships and personnel regardless of what they are doing.

November 20, 2012 at 11:29 am |

Freeman

Not only that we are sending American soldiers in harm ways for the sake of Israel. We faught Saddam and killed our own children so these criminal settlers can live in peace. Why not send Israeli solders to fight your wars. You are bunch of cowards. Now you are asking us to fight Iran for you and pay the heavy price of our children and our money for you, so you can save your criminal soldiers and take the money of our children.

I agree. I don't understand these smart ass Israelis, they want us to clean the mess they create all the time. We cannot allow American blood to support these murderers.

November 20, 2012 at 10:46 am |

Chris

The reason why we need war ships there is because there are over 30 countries with a presence in the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea. The war of Psalms 83 is just around the corner. And these forces are being placed there deliberately by the One who is in control.

We maintain a very large embassy and many American business interests are in Israel. We man a contingency of troops in the Sinai – in both the North near the Rafa Crossing and in the South near Sherm El Sheik. They are a part of the Multinational Force and Observers who have monitored the border between Egypt and Israel since the Camp David Peace Accord. We have lightly-armed Soldiers in outposts all along the Sinai Peninsula – quite vulnerable in the event of a large-scale military attack. Would you leave them unprotected?

During 34 years of active duty service I never served under a better CINC. President Obama manages intelligence date wisely, builds coalitions of our allies, listens to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and efficiently manages resources at each war-fighting Command. He leverages technology (not horses) to save American lives. He makes command decisions and accepts responsibility for those decisions. He is a military leader of the present – not the past.

Your decision to support the political opposition is a right of every American. However, taking distorted, ignorant, cheap shots at the President when he is performing magnificently is unpatriotic, un-American, and makes you look like a Fox News drone. Remember, it's the job of a terrorist to harm the government of the United States.

Mike – your response shows why Republicans lost the election. I am not a "black Soldier" but proudly served along-side of many fine African Americans. I will note that African Americans serve at a higher rate than other ethnic populations. I served under Carder, Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, and retired two years ago under President Obama's Command. I have served in war-fighting commands, as a unit Commander, in four Infantry divisions, and participated in many deployments across the globe. I graduated from every level of Senior Service Schools and served as a war planner for many years. I believe I'm qualified to comment on the abilities of our Commander-In-Chief. I also admired the performance of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. I consider President George W. Bush a moron who should have been charged with war crimes. You appear qualified to represent the racist community of America. I guess we each have a role to play...

Well said, Larry L. These people really don't get how military works and all the little bits and pieces and place and allies and resources that need to be taken into concideration when deciding whether or not to get involved in such a situation.

November 20, 2012 at 12:06 pm |

Humanist

I understand all of the hatred that is spewing forth on this small comment section. I just want to let everyone know that your religions are not all that different from eachother, the reality is that the three religions that seem to dominate most of the world all believe in a singular God being. What I cannot understand is how any person of these religions can believe that they are better and the others are worse, if God is almighty then God created all men, and in that sense you are all brothers and sisters that should not be bickering and arguing like children while others die. Do your God a favor and stop acting like children, none of you are all that different from eachother. The troubles that this part of the world suffers from is largely the same thing that Americans suffer from, MISINFORMATION. Education is the root of all good and the root of all evil. As far as money goes it is a tool, and not a very good one, and it is a tool which many have abused in all parts of the world. Imagine a world where we put our religion second and our brothers and sisters first, do you believe that is a world that God would approve of? If so stop furthering the hatred and bigotry that has been passed on to us by our forefathers. "The Sins of the Father will fall too the son" meant just that, if we do not accept responsibility for our own actions and try to come to a compromise that satisfies all parties then we will continue to demolish and kill entire groups of people. When Education fails, Nationalism will prevail, a scary thought.

You pool lost soul, My heart bleeds for you. Did you vote in the last pres. election and if you did for whom did you vote? Obama? surprise surprise. Or not so surprising. When you grow up, if you live that long, you may become more wiser.

Let me see if I have this right. Palestinians are launching unguided rockets into Israel – the rockets can land anywhere and kill civilians. Israel is not suposed to respond. The Palestinians strap bombs onto their children to kill innocent Jews. The Israelis are expected to simply accept this. The Palestinians (among other Arabs) want Israel destroyed – there is no other acceptable outcome in their view. Yet Israel is seen as the evil one in this conflict. I really have wonder what is wrong with the Arab world.These people have a warped way of thinking!

I understand your ignorance in this matter, but we should set some things straight. First off, Israel and Palestine are not innocent in this conflict, nor is England and the US. The fact of the matter is after WWII many Palestinians were forced out of there home when the nation of Israel was created by the Allies. The displaced Palestinians were then given the Gaza Strip and West Bank areas to run as a "soveriegn nation" within a nation, so to speak. Obviously, this area is going to have a lot of unrest due to the fact that both faiths (Islam and Jews) claim this land as the most holy of holy. In recent years, the oppressed Muslims of the Gaza Strip have fought back against Israel with the help of Eygpt and other Muslim nations. This fight has been both by force (military) and through political elections (Hamas) and has been unyielding. Again, both Hamas and Israel are not innocent in this conflict, but to think that it is just the Muslim world that is warped is just misinformed.

One thing a little off in your post – That area is actually Islam's 3rd most holy site, not the holiest.

November 20, 2012 at 11:15 am |

Freeman

You miss few points Israel has our big guns that we pay for by our tax. She has our guided messiles that can faltten buildings full of children and women. So I guess that is ok as long as the bombs are smart! over 100 Palestinians died and 3 from Israel side. What more should we do for Israel? We gave her our money, that we need badly so she can expand the settlements and steal more land. We gave her the blood of our heros in Iraq. What is next?

Let me tell you all deranged Christian on this forum. You guys cannot blame Jews for killing son of god nor all the bad things happening in USA. We are peace loving people but haven't forgotton what Christians did to us in Europe. I are well off because we have smart brian and true faith.

Again, again, and again: the vast majority of those of us who are Christians do not blame you. We believe that Christ had to die anyway and it was G_d's plan, and besides, he was Jewish Himself. Those who do blame you are not Christians. Christianity and antisemitism are fundamentally incompatible. Whackos will claim otherwise; do not believe them.

AverageGuy@ please admit that you are pathetic IDF agent paid by mosaad to spread hate and target christians.

November 20, 2012 at 10:36 am |

Freeman

Speak for your self! We blame the forefathers for assassantion attempt. We do not blame today Jews. But they are forcing Christians out of the holy land to build thier settlements. We blame them for that. We also blame our government who betraid the American people for the sake of Israel.

November 20, 2012 at 10:52 am |

Freeman

yes your ancestors cheered killing him! Until today I heard it from one of the radicle setterls: "we killed Jesus and we are proud of it". Today Palestinian Christians are being cleansed out of the pure Jewish land. This is the crime we are talking about. We can not blame you for the crimes of your forefathers but we can blame you for the crimes of today.

I agree with you Liberty. After Jesus nobody has right to cling to their old faith. All Jews should convert to christianity and live in peace. Son of God has told us to not support murderers.

November 20, 2012 at 10:54 am |

Freeman

No Jesus was not a Jew. If he were why not all the Palestinians are jews then.

November 20, 2012 at 11:20 am |

Pantheist

Proud Jew . . . good for you! I'm a proud Pantheist! Calling people names only fuels the fire . . . people like you are part of the problem with religion. Forget about what happened hundreds of years ago, or whenever, . . . move on and live like you're a civilized member of the 21st century! PEACE!

This about staging a crisis to get into Iran! Those are Europeans in Israel who deny Black Palestinians and Black Jews and Israelis justice! That is apartheid at its finest. What is Israel doing for America that makes it so deserving? It is just like any other country in the world....it's just using its so-called religious ideology to defend its dirty practices....

Thank You Soulsistah. Israel along with the United States have been the Vanguard for denying peoples of the African Diaspora their rights! The United States have significant financial interests in eliminating the Islamic government that will not cede to their solely financial interests. POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

Why must everyone make such loud statements of religion? By your statements you are not following your own religions. We are all humans and should get over who's god or totum is the mightiest. It is time to put religious differances aside and make a better world for our children. "Let the middle east destoy themselves" As if any other country has a choice. They chose to fight among themselves, for over 2000 years they fight over some old squables. Why if they ar so religious can they not read their own religious materials and actually live up to those standards? What if they are all misguded and have failed to follow their god or messiah, or what ever iconic belief system? They are not doing so and guns and war will not solve anything except create more war and hate. Time to change and accept reality.

it is about hate.I am european,moved to California four years ago,married an american. I used to live in Germany.Germany gives fanatic muslims free housing,free health care,free education.They take brutally advantage of the system.Their main goal is infiltration and territorially expansion.It is all about hate,against Israel, America,everything,what is not moslem.America and Israelis are brutally hated in Germany among fanatic muslims and their number is outrageous and grows from day to day.Germany does nothing about it,in the opposite support their hate,support their territorial expansion,their silent war with german tax payer money.In England already sharia courtshouse function parallel to the legal court system.They want to implement the same in germany, silently they want to conquer Europe and the world.It will be never peace,because they do not care about peace.

All Americans are stupid. If Jews leave your country you guys won't know how to wipe your own asssss. American are low white trash. All media men are Jews, all musician are Jews and all successful people are Jews. Christian americans are living off of charities.

nah..you isral first jews are low-life pigs who have been persecuted for "thousands" of years becsause you are backstabbing ungrateful leaching parasite shylocks..your god is money...and you are a disgusting tick on every Americnsa dikk

Al, its a miracle you've survived this long. You obviously have the brain capacity of a 3 year old with down syndrome. how have you avoided eating deadly kitchen chemicals or walking off the side of a mountain. Do your parents keep you locked in a room for your own protection??...i think they should take your computer away. You're bringing the world decades backwards.

Hi me name is al, me no speak so good the english. Me no have go to the america but me taught that americans are evil and stupid and fat. Me have less education than the yankee american infidels but me think me know more. Me go on to U.S. news site to troll since me country can't make one yet. You country have all jews right, me hate the jews.

Your an idiot and any american reading your posts immediately how ignorant and dumb you are al. I wish you could see it from our perspective and realize that our country is intentionally made up of all cultures, including your own. Imagine those that were born and raised in your country from your exact same background but now living in the U.S. reading your post and saddened by your lack of understanding past your tiny little insignificant world.

MM@...I feel sorry for your pathetic ass....go to bed and play with yourself..White trash

November 20, 2012 at 10:26 am |

al

Hey MM,
I'm not only 100% certain that I am successful. But I am 100% certain you replied to the wrong person, since I did not write the comments about "All Americans are...". Do everyone a favor and now run along and die

November 20, 2012 at 10:50 am |

Debbie

You think so? Then step off–we dealt without you for years, we can do it again. Hey, maybe you can go to the "Promised Land" and squeeze into that little bitty place. What a great idea! Go away!

We Christian used to support Israel, but don't show us your filthy face by killing innocents children. As Christian I cannot support murderers. Its about time we should put Jews on leash and let them choose between peace or furnances. You killed Son of God and we forgave you, but enough is enough

I don't like these kind of Christians. They don't understand what we went through in Europe. It is now our time to take revenge from these low life Arabs.

November 20, 2012 at 10:04 am |

AverageGuy

I'd bet serious money that this individual is NOT a Christian, but a fraud spreading disinformation.

On behalf of a real Christian, please accept my apology for this utter nonsense. Most of the Christians I know stand behind Israel, and the ones that don't are still pretty respectful and wouldn't utter hateful phrases like "filthy faces." Real Christians who know their Bibles never hate Jews since our faith is rooted strongly in Judaism. They may disagree with modern Israel, but there's usually no hatred there.

November 20, 2012 at 10:11 am |

Californian

@ BORN CHRISTIAN

Maybe you need to go back and research History...the ROMANs killed Jesus. Jewish people may have betrayed him but this is just to point out that your oint of view is based on NON-Historical Points.

I don't mean this in an insulting way, but while your English is pretty decent, you're showing signs that it's not your first language. Oddly, isn't "Born Christian" [sic] ("Born Again Christian") usually a phrase used mostly in America? If you were a born again Christian, would it not then be a reasonable assumption that you would know the phrase well enough, let alone the theology behind it, to write it correctly?

I agree, it's clear these are all the same guy just posting nonsense under different names but i'm trying to tell if it is a little kid that is just trolling for fun and doesn't really know anything or if it is an anti-american that still doesn't know anything and knows about as much as a little kid. Either way, it's really sad. A good education makes such a difference.

November 20, 2012 at 10:21 am |

Born Christian

AverageGuy@ you are really an average low life pathetic guy. I am pretty sure you are an IDF agent paid to bring Christian down or an Israeli Jew who is trying to be smart. You cannot fool us. Keeping quiet doesnot mean we are stupid. We don't support killing of innocents period.

November 20, 2012 at 10:33 am |

Proud Jew

Okay even if we killed Jesus so what he was really a Jew and a traitor. Stop blaming us.

We don't blame you. It's a nutty idea concocted by hateful people. This person is not representative of the rest of us.

A "Christian" that claims to hate Jews has never read what we refer to as the Old Testament, and does not understand basic teachings of the New Testament. If one hates Jews, they cannot be a Christian since Christianity is for "the Jew first, and also the Greek." (Romans 1:16) I'm not talking about disagreeing with modern Israel, mind you. I personally stand behind Israel, but many Christians are respectful in their disagreement with the modern State.

November 20, 2012 at 10:18 am |

Debbie

Why do you say Jesus Christ was a traitor, because He didn't give you what you wanted and you're still sulking?

November 20, 2012 at 12:54 pm |

NeonWino

Is everyone forgetting about the Mariens and Sailors who are on these ships and how they were ON THEIR WAY HOME and as a result of this, the US forced them to turn around and go sail back into the Meditteranean??? What about their familes, who have been consistently told confilcting stories and homecoming dates, only to finally be told last week that they are on their way home, only to discover this news on CNN, not from the military itself, like they should have!

This has been a consistent factor in this deployment- the back and forth BS. They sat (and waited) for DAYS in the wake of the Benghazi attacks, and nothnig happened. Now they are FINALLY on their way HOME and they are yanked away from their homecoming, and sent right back over here for WHAT? To sit and wait, and do absolutely nothing.

I could care less about Israel and Palestine- LET THEM SORT IT OUT THEMSELVES. The US needs to stop sticking its nose in other country's business and worry about our own. Maybe if we'd done that from the beginning, our nation wouldn't be trillions of dollars in debt.

Pretty sure I have a pretty big understanding of the military's role, but thanks for attempting to point it out sarcastically. I'm sur eif you were to ask any of them on that deployment, whether they would rather be sitting on their asses waiting for absolutely nothing to be accomplished, or on their way home as originally planned, they would all chose the latter.

The morale of this entire deployment has gone out the window with the constant back and forth. And they all know where it's coming from- the very top.

It's just nice to know that none of them even received the opportunity to vote while on this deployment.

I mean no disrespect but if your military member didn't vote that is his or her fault. Every service member had an opportunity to at home or deployed with an absentee ballot.

November 20, 2012 at 10:41 am |

Bob

You mean like the trillions spent on stimulus that did nothing, the billions spend on increased food stamps and illegal aliens. You mean like the hundreds of millions spend on companies like solyndra, hundres of millions for ABC batteries that were never used 14 billion we will never get back from GM.

The war was a trillion over 10 years. Barry O spent 6 trillion in the last 4 years. With only 1 war when Bush only spent 5 trillion in 8 years and that included 2 wars which kept us safe. But you can see how safe we are now. I’ll say a few words Ben Gazi, Arab Spring, Egypt falling, Syria in revolution. Better take your head out of the sand and get your facts straight.

Just out of curiousity, didn't they know that they could be deployed at a moments noticed when they joined the military?
You have to figure that they knew what they were in for when they joined. The families should know as well what it takes to be a military family.+

Obviously, Mark- but to be ripped away from their homecoming, which was a couple of days away, and deployed for WHAT? WHAT were they sent back for? To sit and twiddle their thumbs while Hillary 'Cankles' Clinton jets over there to intervene in a situation that has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with us?

Obviously people missed the point of the original post- WHY THE HELL ARE WE THERE?! Is it our business? NO. America needs to stay the hell otu of everyone else's business and worry about its own people for a change.

November 20, 2012 at 10:15 am |

NeonWino

Wife of a Navy Sailor- shut your trap. None of the infantry guys on the USS NY received their absentee ballots. So don't presume that they simply chose not to vote. As you recall, mail was shut off prior to October 5th. So how then, would their absentee ballots gotten to them? By magic?

Thought obama said during the debate we don't have ships or horses or bayonets?! And I don't think Jesus would want us fighting over land, move on and get over it, the Israelis don't want garza occupied because they would be blocked in and no sea access.

And it's clear you didn't actually watch the debates as you completely screwed up your comment.

November 20, 2012 at 9:38 am |

Juan

@Brad No that is pretty close to what Barry said. He tried to imply in the debates that an Aircraft carrier is not a ship. I guess he thinks it is a plane or something I don't know. Then again Barry is the guy who called a Navy corpsman, a "corpse man", so he is pretty clueless.

November 20, 2012 at 9:53 am |

Patricia

@Brad. Juan didn't watch it either because he further screwed up the verbiage with his response as well.

November 20, 2012 at 10:09 am |

adam

Don't you wish that money is getting spend on the people who are affected by Sandy in NY and fixing the economy here instead of getting wasted in the Middle east?

No, they are Americans period. Some of them are tourists, some of them are natural born Americans who lived their entire lives here and retired to Israel. Some are Americans who only spent a few years in America. Those that are naturalized citizens had to go through a lengthy process, including getting a resident visa, getting a green card, and then getting citizenship. That is a process that easily can take about 10 years to complete. It requires background checks, tests (that many naturally born Americans could not pass) – basically people who worked to become Americans and had to be verified to qualify.
Your apparent lack of care for your fellow citizens brings to question – why should you be an American.

because i put the U.S. FIRST..unlike israel fisrt pigs that would throw 300 million Ameicans under the bus for 6 million sniveling low-life pigs in israel..because the "bible" told them so...inbred freaking-hole wack jobs..please israel first pigs pack your bags and just leave..YOU ARE NOT AMERICAN..you are traitor pigs like johnny israel first pig pollard

November 20, 2012 at 9:48 am |

Born Christian

You are trying to ridicule Americans. Let me tell you filthy Zionist we don't want Jews living in Israel be called American. They should surrender their passport before joining the murderers.

November 20, 2012 at 9:51 am |

dan

Idiot, they are there to evacuate AMERICAN CITIZENS, that is People born in America, who are currently in Israel, like my cousin for example, who may not be able to get out my conventional means if fighting escalates.

Before you write any comment...and claim yourself as defending Hamas/Gaza/palestine....Go and read the History of the formation of state of Israel...

Hamas is a elected organisation by Palestines..US, British Claims it as Terrorist organisation...They are formed to fight for their land and freedom...If anyone claims this is a terrorist organisation and what they are doing is wrong...Then go and read about Haganah, its was a ruling Group formed by Jews during 1948 in the conflict region to occupy the land and later it is turned as defecnsive system of israel...What are you going call them now...jewish terrorist??? US supported Jewish terrorist????

Jews are in administrative control in US and they are using US for their own self...Fellows like you claims yourself that you are ally of Israel....

Your just mad because the Palestinians refused to let the jews live in your country peacefully after WWII, and they kicked your asses, and now you are forces to live in small patches of your former country because you cant play nice with others. Serves you right

Guess what...I am an American. My ideals, morals, culture and socisla leanings are American and Western. Israel shares these beliefs and is my ally.

Before you jump on your soap box, you might want to ask Muslims to stop supporting Muslims and their acts in any region based solely on a shared faith (and if you want to tell me this is not the case with the majority, then it is you who should read his history).

Hamma is a terrorist organization. Its members have aided the enemies of my country, America, to attack my people, Americans. I do not care if the fools in Gaza were foolish enough to elect them. Hitler also won a lot of elections.

then you and your kids should pack your bags and go die for the low-life turds

November 20, 2012 at 9:36 am |

cboy

First, you claim Hamas isn't a terrorist organization? While I understand they were elected by the people of Gaza, they allow rogue organizations to fire rockets into Israel with no ability to stop them. If an American fired rockets into Mexico, would it not be the US Governments job to investigate and ultimately stop those instigating violence?

Hamas instead fires back and vows to only stop firing back if certain conditions are met (lifting the blockade). This to me proves that Hamas is ultimately behind this and is using this conflict to push their agenda.

Both Palestinians and Israli's have a right to have peace, but until the two sides can stop angering each other like little kids, that is impossible.

Hamas can't stop throwing rockets into Israel, and Israel can't stop developing land that the Palestenians feel should be theres.

This conflict won't end in our lifetime since both sides continue to act like little kids.

Israel is surrounded by Arab/Muslim countries. Not one of those countries is their ally. They all only want to destroy the Jewish State and all the Jews in it. My question is this: With Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, etc. home of so many who support the Palestinians, why can't they move to one or any of those countries? You KNOW the Jews would not be welcome there. Israel is tiny. It was a place the Jews went after WWII when other countries would not accept them. While I realize my recommendation may seem simple and naive, I continue to wonder why it is not an option. The Palenstinians would more than likely live better with 'their own' people and the Jews could finally have some peace.

the fact is Israel isn't strapping suicide vests to children and remote detonating them.. the fact is Israel isn't using women and children as human shields.. fact is Israel isn't suppressing their people by using false propaganda and Israel isn't requiring the elimination of all Arabs like Hamas is requiring the elimination of all Jews.. Hamas is a terrorist organization because they target innocent civilians.. what happened 60 years ago is irrelevant.. Should Jews hate all the Germans because of an insane ruler that used propaganda the same way Hamas and Iran use it against their own people? Israel has a tiny piece of land in the arab world.It is where Jews were born and where it all began.. Israel isn't talking about the elimination of the arab people but Hamas wants to eliminate the jews. What happened in the past is the past.. and not even the recent past..

sorry kid but you are wrong ! All this is for the same reason it is always for ...land power wealth , all the classic reasons for conflict and almost always thanks to the form of government that ignorant fools like you call a religion / the NATION of Islam ! Humas = Terrorists / liberals in the USA are their allies , Democrats are their children, world domination is their goal ....devil take you all!

What land? Oh right "the holy land". This area has been besieged by war for hundreds of years. Muslims are angry at Israel because they aren't Muslim and they were given land that belonged to the Muslims. Jews bad, Muslims good, Muslims bad, Jews good. There isn't anything different about them culturally except for who they pray to. "Democrats are their children...?" You're crazy man!

November 20, 2012 at 9:19 am |

TonDef

Religion IS one of the classic reasons for human conflict. And by the the way, Hamas= terrorists, hummus= garbanzo bean dip. What's "Humas"?

November 20, 2012 at 9:27 am |

Al

lol at "democrats are the children of Hamas"

November 20, 2012 at 9:48 am |

Thomas

That's a very naive and narrow point of view. It has a lot more to do with than just religion. I don't think Netanyahu is doing this because he is religious...he's a fascist, racist, psychotic, narcissistic, paranoid, little freak, but I don't think religion plays into it for him that much. He only uses religion as another excuse for him to kill innocent people, but he doesn't believe it himself.

Sure it's developed into a complex problem but at it's core it's about religion. Most conflicts are.

November 20, 2012 at 9:22 am |

MM

Most conflicts based on religion. Not hardly. Most conflicts are based on Economics. The revolutionary war, the war of 1812, the civil war, WWI, WWII and many many more were all fought because of economics, not religion. Israel was there long before palestine and even in the mid 20th century when the Jewish people decided to become a state there was no palestine, it was just a bunch of nomadic people who did not like the Jews moving into their neighborhood. As far as religion, well in this particular case there is a strong religious toe in. It comes from the islamic faction and the fact that they believe that infidels (anyone who does not worship allah) is no more than property, just like any other animal, or must convert to their belief. Israel has tried many times to live peacefully with their neighbors, they have even gone so far as to seize their own people property and give it to the palestines. The problem is that Israels neighbors do not want peace so they continuously attack Israel. Well, you may not like it, but these are the facts. Israel is a peaceful state that would leave everyone else alone if they were simply left alone.

I would like to remind CNN that it is Israel that is our ally and Hamas muslims are NOT our ally so some coverage on the plight of our allies would be fair and just instead of trying to get us to cry about what has happened to a bunch of terrorists who attacked our ally.

I'll never forget all of the muslim cultists dancing in the streets on 9-11-2001. The people of Israel need to disregard any opinion coming out of the u.n. or the obama admin. These idiots will never stop attacking Jews until they are beat into submission and the time to take action is NOW!

First John, that is a ridiculous generalization. Many arab countries sent condolences for the 9/11 attacks – Kadhafi, Musharraf and even the Iranian government. I didn't see the Tunisians, morrocans or algerians dancing in the streets either.
The other problem with your comment 'beating them into submission' basically amounts to commiting genocide against muslims. Hatred and war will not resolve this conflict.

I think it's pretty messed up that as family members we found out from CNN that our loved ones were going to be delayed. Our loved ones couldn't tell us because of operational security rules, that are in place to keep them safe but some yoohoo decides to release the info to CNN. Seems a little @$$ backward to me. We didn't even have confirmed return dates for our service members and CNN tells us they were due back in Norfolk right after Thanksgiving. Loose lips sink ships – it's more than a lyric in a RATT song dumb@$$.

Actually, I knew they were due sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You probably should've known that as well. My husband surprised to hear of the extension via WAVY's 6:00 news last night that members of his command were being extended. Even he didn't hear about it from his own command. While the commands are responsible for contacting family members of the extension, in this particular case I don't think there was ample time for notifications before it hit the news. Either way, they're being extended, no matter who you heard it from. My husband's last deployment was extended three times (because of the conflict in Libya) before they finally came home after 11 months. I feel your pain.

Like you we were told sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas but we weren't told anything concrete. I did time in the service and I understand why information is limited. I am uncomfortable with the fact that operational security does not seem to be being maintained with the same stringency across the board. When our military personnel and dependents are finding out through a major media news outlet instead of from command we have a communication and infosec problem.

November 20, 2012 at 9:10 am |

Mike

I am in complete agreement with you. My son is also on one of those ships.

I am sorry to hear that you weren't aware of this operation sooner than this. The Captain on the ship my husband is on sent an email to all the Navy personal instructing them to forward it to all of their family members regarding the delay a few days ago. It didn't give any specific details of the mission but, it did say "World Events".
Really there isn't a breach in security stating when they were due to come home since things have changed.

Three U.S. Navy amphibious warships are returning to the eastern Mediterranean to remain on standby in the event they are needed to assist Americans leaving Israel in the coming days, according to two U.S. officials. I feel bad for the families possibly not being together for the holidays but 30 years ago they used to tell us that if the military wanted you to have family they would have issued them to you. Somebody in the white house took a big dump because this story stinks of big time BS..

Blow up the government building and military infrastructure of both sides, bing bang boom, no more conflict. Hold a gun up to both leader's heads and tell them to make peace or them and both their families will be tortured to death.

the one that's in the U.S. israel first maggot...not like the stolen rock you live under in Israel..pig

November 20, 2012 at 9:43 am |

bad

if we evauate ameicans from isreal we are rewarding our enemies, for starting the war. we should put troops in israel, to help defend israel I cant understand why people, dont want to adimt the the truth – israel is the scapegoat, just that they are a vey strong and determined scapegoat. This is all a proxy war, for other powers- who having nothing to lose. Im vey concerned of Obama's ability to deal with this is US best interests,

No- that was a pro Obama post- in contrast to what should be said about Obama. I hope these noises Obama is making about being rsponsible and steadfast are real, and not just another one of his smoke screens design to fool those that actually trust this clown, to make decisions in US best interests, as opposed to his and the other anti-ameican socialist that are running the US. We shall see

November 20, 2012 at 8:56 am |

Joe from CT, not Lieberman

I found it telling that Israel was all set to have a ground invasion of Gaza and then suddenly had their troops back off from the border and stand down from a position of attack to one of holding and standby. Could it be that Bebe got a phone call from Cambodia telling him that we would not back his play on this one either?
Not that I have any love for Hamas – as far as I am concerned they can all be buried up to their necks in the beach at low tide. The problem is the Israeli's have shown that they consider everyone in Gaza to be a "hostile" even 5-year old kids and 80-year old grannies. Given that the Israeli position has been to starve them with their boycott, I can't blame the people there for not exactly favoring the Israeli government. The problem is that Hamas is more than willing to use those folks as Human Shields. Given Israel's current policy, people from Gaza are restricted on going anyplace, including to the West Bank to visit relatives, so Israel's policy is keeping them there as shields.

Israel is 100% self-reliant. Research the facts instead of repeating misleading rhetoric.

November 20, 2012 at 9:50 am |

Jerry

May time to end the conflict once an for all ,better to run then die for religion . Allow all of Israel to move to usa an leave that waste land to let them kill them selves. Think about it would solve alot problems

I am the wife of an sailor on one of the warships that has been delayed. I would like to thank all the Navy sailors and Marines on those warships that have been away from their families for 8 months already and now may not be able to spend Christmas with their families.

while i also thank service people i must ask you, what did you think would happen when you signed on for this service? its the military and you must have known what was in store for your family and service member. please stop looking for sympathy – you made the choice.

Really!!! No one is looking for sympathy you JA. I was just trying to make the point that while all the negative comments were being made their are other factors; like the service members that have been deployed for 8+ months believing they are on their way home, only to have the rug pulled out from under them. YES we did sign up for this and my husband and our family have been living the military life for 20 years and plan on staying as long as god is willing. Oh and by the way, It doesn't matter what we signed up for, our children are still effected when the think their daddy's or mommies ares on their way home and we have to tell them otherwise!

November 20, 2012 at 10:01 am |

KEVIN

This whole situation is Netanyahu acting out to get Obama's attention. Netanyahu knew exactly how Gaza was going to react when he publicly killed that Hamas military leader in the middle of the street with a bomb/missle.

They want Obama's attention? Really? Maybe what they are doing is actually protecting themselves after being attacked, yet again, with rockets. In the words of President Obama himself, "Israel has every right to expect that it does not have missiles fired into its territory."

Evacuation who? Those dual citizenship? Or, even those people were lobby in DC whom went American's life and $ to them?
No benifit and signle nature resource from that areas.
The long term salution is balance of power. Israel has no peace with Gaza that is understandable. However, Israel has no tiny interest to return occupied land when West Bank gave peace to Israel, plus 20yr America Presidents' effort. The bottom line, the 80% of trouble was Israel. From China, Indian, UK, French to Turkey, the trouble state was not got any support.

You would nuke Israel and next you would get nuke on your head from your muslim brothers as a present. Choose your friends wisely!

November 20, 2012 at 8:23 am |

KEVIN

Funny how the Major headlines are "US sends war ships to Israel" when in fact they are low level naval ships acting as evacuation if needed. With Obama in office and how the JC of Staff feel about Israel there is NO WAY we are going to get militarily involved in this conflict.

Kevin,
How about a little class? I just left one of the three ships currently sitting in the Med. You're doing a great disservice to all the Marines and Sailors aboard those ships and their families by saying they are "low level warships." Before posting comments like these, you should educate yourself on the capabilities of an Amphibious Ready Group, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, and all the people that have been on those ships for eight months with no official end in sight. Many of my friends aboard those ships will be missing Thanksgiving with their families, and possibly more. Don't make it worse by posting such comments.

Kevin,
Low level?!?! How about reading up on these ships. This are War Ships fully loaded with Marines! If you think this is low level then you must really have a low expectation of the awesome capabilities of the Marine Navy team on those vessels.

Kevin, 3 Amphibs is not an evacuation force. It is a clear threat of deploying US Marines. These are Marine Corps vessels designed and deployed to support US Marines making amphibious assaults on ground based targets. Yes they can be used to evacuate people, but one would be more than sufficient for that purpose.

You are the most hateful person I have ever read on these comments, your education must be very limited and your state of mind under developed.
The brave men and women, the heroes of ww2 fought for your freedom, SHAME, SHAME ON YOU!!!

I would rather have our money go to homeless vets then the low-life ungratful backstabbing pigs of israel..they are the root cause of 9/11 and it really was no surprise when it happened..it was just a matter of time that our toothless inbred "christain" values that the pigs of israel are the "chosen ones" would lead to 9/11..thanks wacko inbreds and israel fist pig zionist lovers..you sukk and you are TRAITORS

The reward for sacrifices of vets is just a salute and a national holiday. There is not enough money to take care of them. However there is enough money to support Israel's occupation, wars for American oil cartels, and unnecessary expensive arms that Pentagon says they do not want. All because our congress is bankrolled by super PACs of these three lobbies.

Why does the US consistantly help every other nation in the world instead of ourselves. Don't get me wrong, I'd help someone who needed it, so long as I was taken care of first. Example: I would give a bum some food or money, if I didnt have bills needing to be paid, kids needing food, wife needing medicine, etc. Seeing as I'm at a "low" income state in my life with backed up bills and such, like I'm sure a lot of us are, I'd rather help myself rather than help the bum that I do not personally know. So why America, why put our soldiers lives in the line of fire instead of using all that fuel and time spent over there to do something productive for our own country?

What the question should be is why people who have access to food, clean water, education, housing, stable government, resoucres and everything that people in the middle east don't have can't take care of themselves.

@ Why, just why -and any other BUM (your word not mine) who thinks like him, that the world revolves around them -guess what we need to protect our allies because there is a Big, Mean, World out side our boarders. You could get many Americans to agree with you if you were to complain about the foreign aid we give to unfriendly nations such as Russia, Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia, etc. I also wonder why you have such a low paying job, are you maybe a BUM, too? Of course lastly I have to say if you voted for O, then you deserve whatever life hands you!

Hey Cindy, sorry but some of us have to work to get ahead, were all not born with everything there for us. SOme of us come from poverty and are doing our best to work our way out of it. ALso the Why, just why reply about saying sorry wasant me. I support our troops but I apologize for nothing.

pretty sad when you have low-life israel first american pigs like our 7 percent approved congress that would throw 300 million americans under the bus for 6 million sniveling low-life ungrateful backstabbing pigs in israel..what a bunch of sniveling selfish traitor pigs.they eventuallly will get kicked out of the U.S. as TRAITORS as they should be

@Joey.......... crawl back in your little hole and hope that you don't get hit by a hamas rocket... after all, they are such peaceful people.. all they want is to live in peace........ yea right!..... you are DELUSIONAL!!!

The problem is that most are NOT answered. Israel tolerated several THOUSAND rockets fired from Gaza earlier this year, while both sides were under the ostensible "cease-fire." It is only after they finally retaliate that the rest of the world takes notice. "Why are you shooting back now? Nothing new is happening!"

They need to stop worrying about "world opinion" (which is not so monumentally against them as the media would have you think) and retaliate EVERY time, for EVERY rocket. Let Hamas worry about the fact that Israel's firepower is MUCH more accurate (which is good, since that means they can still take out a rocket launch site cynically poised between a hospital and a playground.) Pretty soon the Palestinians would come to associate the launch of a Hamas rocket with the inevitable (and perfectly justifiable) retaliation, and finally stop supporting these barbarians.

Joe, what is your purpose. Its hard to believe we still have folks like you around these days. Or are you just trying to flame on this website and sit back and watch the flurry of responses. You need to get a life. Spend your time doing something meaningful. Abberant, mean spirited behaviors don't contribute much to anything. Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. But sometimes, when I reads trash such as this, it makes me wonder. Freedom of speech should always be tempered by good common sense and common decency, courtesy, and a sense of respect for fellow human beings. Unbridled and abusive speech was probably never the intent of our founding fathers, yet we permit it in the name of freedom. But all freedoms carry with them, certain responsibilities. We cannot silence the racists on this website, but we can hope they are a dying breed. Joe, proving you can exercise your individual freedom of speech, even in the most obnoxious manner, doesn't make you a good person or a better fellow citizen of this great nation. In fact, maybe it shows everyone that you are in fact, just the opposite. Doesn't that concern you?

Joe's lucky I'm not the ruler of Israel. I would have lined up the tanks at the Syrian border and started a 2 mph crawl towards the Egyptian boarder, bulldozing everything that was in my path. I said that 25 years ago, and had it been done we wouldn't be dealing with this problem any more. I call it the Aztec Solution. You know why we don't ever hear about 'Aztec Rights' or the 'Plight of the Aztec People'? Because Cortez killed them all, that's why.

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. But sometimes, when one reads trash such as this, it makes one wonder. Freedom of speech should always be tempered by good common sense and common decency and a sense of respect for fellow human beings. Unbridled and abusive speech was probably never the intent of our founding fathers, yet we permit it in the name of freedom. But all freedoms carry with them, certain responsibilities. We cannot silence the racists on this website, but we can hope they are a dying breed.

The U.S. getting suckered and lied into doing the low-life jews of israel once again..the turd stain called israel is the worst investment in U.S. history and are the biggest terrorists in the world....they are like a mentally retarded inbred frankenstien...

I hope Iseral will at last rid the world of this islam filth , God bless Iseral and the Jewish people all that stand against Iseral stand against God, This United States could learn a thing or two from Iseral about how to treat this filth ...

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. But sometimes, when I reads trash such as this, it makes me wonder. Freedom of speech should always be tempered by good common sense and common decency and a sense of respect for fellow human beings. Unbridled and abusive speech was probably never the intent of our founding fathers, yet we permit it in the name of freedom. But all freedoms carry with them, certain responsibilities. We cannot silence the racists on this website, but we can hope they are a dying breed.

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CNN's Security Clearance examines national and global security, terrorism and intelligence, as well as the economic, military, political and diplomatic effects of it around the globe, with contributions from CNN's national security team in Washington and CNN journalists around the world.